“Ranching in the Extremes” focus of Trans-Pecos Wildlife Conference

ALPINE – The last two years have been some of the most challenging ranchers have ever faced in West Texas: deep freezes, wildfires, and a drought of record have had incredible impacts on the cattle industry, wildlife populations, and the local economy.

On August 2-3, the Trans-Pecos Wildlife Conference at Sul Ross State University in Alpine will focus on the topic, “Ranching in the Extremes.”

The Borderlands Research Institute for Natural Resource Management is partnering with the Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Texas AgriLife Extension Service to host the conference in the Espino Conference Center.

Sessions begin at 8am Thursday, August 2 and continue through the day with presentations on wildfire, drought, water conservation, watershed management, brush control, and habitat management.  Following a catered lunch, discussion will be about mountain lions, Chronic Wasting Disease, nongame management, desert mule deer, pronghorn, and desert bighorn sheep.

That evening, the Texas Wildlife Association hosts a social at Kokernot Lodge for all participants.  The evening will include a mixer with beer, wine and heavy appetizers.

Additionally, on the morning of Friday, August 3 is a half-day field trip with demonstrations at the Quarter Circle Ranch in the Glass Mountains to highlight some of their range and wildlife management practices including habitat recovery following the Roper Wildfire of 2011, pronghorn habitat improvements, grassland restoration using herbicide, and others.   The morning will conclude with a tailgate discussion by landowners throughout the region that will share their experiences with various ranch management strategies.

To register, log onto http://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/events/trans-pecos-wildlife-conference or contact Helen Holdsworth (TWA) at hholdsworth@texas-wildlife.org or 800-TEX-WILD.  The conference is $50 before July 23rd, $75 after July 23rd.  The fee includes all breaks, lunch, and the social.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event or being an exhibitor, please contact Helen Holdsworth (TWA) at hholdsworth@texas-wildlife.org or 800-TEX-WILD.